...the piece of cake rear wheel removal

...as I said, after doing the rear wheel on the GoldWing, the Boulevard's a piece of cake. Total time 45minutes, including searching for the 17mm socket that rolled unseen under the tool cabinet. I did have to remove the top muffler to drive the axle out with a drift punch (I used the extension from the socket set). A little wigglewigglewigglewiggle and she was free.

Incidentally, the Metzler tire with 2" whitewall retailed at 168.00 cdn (equal right now with usd). Dunlop K55 (or KK5) was 205.00. Don't have my converter handy but is this on a par with uk?

...and buttoned back up and taken for a test ride. The entire job solo. Total re-install time about 20 minutes. I'll tell you it's a bugger to torque that nut! lol All in all not a tough job, just attention to detail and procedure.

I think that is the key, most people have the ability to do their own maintenance but are often a little scared to go for it. The satisfaction of completing a job or some maintenance for ones self for me at least is immense.

I've just removed the rear wheel without removing the exhausts.Undone the torque arm and rear drum nuts, removed the axle nut and cover cap on left hand side. I then put a socket on the left hand side and tapped the axle with butt end of a hammer to get a start, after which I placed a screwdriver behind the bolt on the left and a rag to protect the frame. A little pressure on the screwdriver whilst turning the socket and out she came. worth its weight in gold to keep that axle maintained took about 15 mins in total.hope this helps some of you guys